As anyone who’s spent a season or more here can tell you, summers in East Texas are hot. They’re not just hot. They’re hot and humid. Sometimes it can feel like a big, hot, wet blanket gets pulled up over East Texas in the springtime and it doesn’t come off until late fall.
For many, an air conditioner working properly isn’t just a matter of comfort—it can be a matter of life or death. Especially for the elderly and newborn babies.
If you’re a business owner, chances are the success of your business relies on the air conditioning working properly.
There are many things that can go wrong with your HVAC system, but having regular HVAC system maintenance performed by a local AC and heating company can go a long way in helping keep your AC unit in top working order.
What Is AC Short Cycling?
One of the most common problems that occurs with air conditioners is called short cycling. You’ll know the difference between short cycling and your air conditioner’s normal cycle because it will be running for short bursts and not completing the required 15-20 minute cycle. When you hear your unit turning on over and over again, that means your AC is not working as it should.
Too often people assume that since the machine is still running but only in shorter bursts it’s working ok, and don’t realize there’s a real problem until it’s too late and serious damage has been done.
If the problem is ignored for too long it could become costly in numerous ways and even lead to your AC breaking down completely and the necessity of a new unit. In the meantime, your home or business is stuck without a working AC to keep the environment comfortable and livable.
If your machine is continuously short cycling, it could be costly in your monthly utility bills. Because the AC is turning on more often and the unit is having to work harder, you could see a higher bill because the machine is now using more energy.
An improperly sized system is another common culprit. Read more about why oversized HVAC units cause problems.
Common Causes of AC Short Cycling
To help you troubleshoot, here are a few reasons why your AC might be short cycling.
Check Your Thermostat
First and foremost…did you start by checking the thermostat?
The thermostat is often the culprit in many HVAC related problems. It could be as simple an issue as your thermostat being incorrectly set, or it needs new batteries, or maybe it was messed with by the kids, etc. If you notice your HVAC unit is short cycling, one of the first things to troubleshoot is your thermostat. Once you’ve ruled out the thermostat being the issue and there’s nothing else immediately noticeable, it’s important to contact your local AC repair company in East Texas and have your unit inspected.
Inspect Your Air Filter
When was the last time you checked or changed your air conditioner filter?
Your unit’s filter is one of the most important components to your air conditioning and furnace working properly. If you don’t regularly change your air filter you can risk a lot of different issues occurring. If you notice your AC turning on and off more frequently than it should, checking the thermostat and the air filter are good places to begin troubleshooting. If you’re unsure of how to check or change your filter, it’s important to contact a trusted East Texas HVAC company such as East Texas Refrigeration to do an inspection and perform any necessary HVAC Maintenance such as cleaning the ductwork and cleaning or replacing the air filter. Some HVAC companies, such as ETR, offer helpful incentives such as a professional HVAC maintenance program which helps ensure your AC is working properly through regular maintenance with state-of-the-art products and diagnostic equipment.
Check for Frozen AC Coils
Have you noticed that your AC coils are freezing frequently? If so, this is a telling sign that it’s time to have your HVAC unit inspected and the coils thawed. Once the coils are thawed, a technician can inspect them and the rest of the unit to determine which repairs are necessary.
Read more about what to do when your AC system freezes up.
How Short Cycling Affects Humidity Levels
An air conditioner has the dual function of keeping your house or business cool by lowering the temperature while also lowering the space’s humidity levels.
If your unit is short cycling, it’s turning off before it finishes cooling or dehumidifying your home or business space. In humid places like East Texas this can be especially problematic because mold and mildew don’t take long to grow and there’s no more perfect environment for them to grow than in the heat and humidity caused by an improperly working AC.
Even if you hadn’t yet noticed that the machine is turning on and off more frequently, you might notice that your home has been feeling more humid, sweaty, and uncomfortable. An increase in your home’s humidity levels, especially if they’re significant, can be an indicator that there’s a short cycling issue happening.
When to Call an AC Repair Company
If you notice that your AC is turning on and off more often than it should, do a bit of troubleshooting and then contact your local AC repair company and let the experts fix the issue so you can get back to being comfortable.
